Growing exotic fruits yourself
Cape gooseberry, melon, fig or pepino from your own garden? What sounds exotic succeeds surprisingly well here too, with a little warmth and the right variety. Whether in the bed, in the greenhouse or in a container on the terrace – exotic fruits bring variety and talking points to the garden.
Almost all of them share a need for warmth, sun and as long a season as possible – which is why raising them early is worthwhile.
In short
- Many exotics succeed here – with warmth, sun and pre-culture.
- Well suited: Cape gooseberry (physalis), ground cherry, melon, pepino, fig.
- Raise warmth-lovers early and only put them out after the Ice Saints.
- Overwinter container plants such as fig and citrus frost-free.
What succeeds here
- Cape gooseberry (physalis): uncomplicated, richly bearing, grown like a tomato.
- Ground cherry: small, pineapple-flavoured fruits, ideal for beginners.
- Melon: sugar and small watermelons succeed in the greenhouse or a very warm spot.
- Pepino (melon pear): as a container plant with sweet-mild fruits.
- Fig: hardy varieties grow in a sheltered bed, otherwise in a container.
What exotics need
The key is warmth: a full-sun, sheltered spot, ideally against a south wall or in the greenhouse. Most exotics have a long growing time and are therefore raised early. A loose, humus-rich soil and even water supply ensure good growth.
Cultivation tips
Raise warmth-loving exotics under protection from February/March and plant them out only after the Ice Saints. Bring container plants such as fig, citrus and pepino to a bright, cool, frost-free place to overwinter. A greenhouse or polytunnel noticeably extends the season.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest exotic for beginners?
The Cape gooseberry (physalis) and the ground cherry – both are robust and bear reliably.
Do I definitely need a greenhouse?
Not for many exotics, but melons and watermelons succeed much more reliably in one.
Tip
Use warm microclimates: a sunny south wall stores warmth and creates almost Mediterranean conditions for fig, melon & co.
Caution
Most exotics are absolutely frost-sensitive – never plant them out before the Ice Saints and overwinter container plants frost-free.
Fancy exotics? In our range you will find special young plants – strongly pre-grown and ready to go.